Could you be eligible for a boiler grant?

Ballymena homeowners are being encouraged by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland to apply for help to replace their boiler before the onset of winter.

The Boiler Replacement Scheme offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers and is available to those who earn less than £40,000 a year with an inefficient boiler of at least 15 years and is dependent on total gross income.

Since the scheme was launched in September 2012, 594 boilers have been replaced in the Ballymena borough, providing households with increased fuel efficiency.

With the scheme due to come to an end on 31 March 2015, the Minister encouraged those who think they may be eligible to register by the end of December.

He said: “Replacing an old inefficient boiler with a new condensing boiler can in an average three bedroom semi-detached house, see potential savings of between £300 to £350 per year. In these difficult financial times, savings such as this can make a real difference to the lives of those who the scheme is targeted at. I very much welcome the fact that the scheme has helped such a significant number of households.

“I want as many people as possible to benefit from what this scheme has to offer. I would therefore encourage those who think they may be eligible to register their interest now, and preferably, by the end of December.”

Those who think they may be eligible can call 0300 200 7874 or email to boiler-replacement@nihe.gov.uk